Malkin, Hagelin both sit out practice, 'day to day'

CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, Pa. -- The Penguins returned to practice on Tuesday knowing they will face the Capitals in their second round series.

As to which Penguins will actually play in the series, beginning with Game 1 at Washington's Capital One Arena, well, that's a little trickier.

Evgeni Malkin and Carl Hagelin, who missed all or most of Sunday's Round 1 clincher in Philadelphia, are still question marks. Neither player took to the ice Tuesday morning at the Lemieux Sports Complex. Mike Sullivan updated their status following practice, saying only that both players are still "day to day."

Malkin, injured in Game 5 against Philadelphia after taking an awkward fall while trying to take down the Flyers' Jori Lehtera, did not play Game 6 against the Flyers with an apparent lower body injury. He was seen walking around the locker room on Tuesday with no sign of discomfort or with the aid of crutches or a brace.

Hagelin was forced out of Game 6 midway through the second period after absorbing a devastating open-ice hit from Philadelphia captain Claude Giroux:

The loss of either player or both would be potentially problematic for the Penguins against Washington, a team which went 2-2 against them during the regular season and who forced them to a seven-game series last spring.

Malkin, the NHL's fourth-leading player in goals (42) and points (98), would be difficult -- if not impossible -- to replace. Riley Sheahan, normally a fourth-line center, skated in Malkin's place in Game 6 agains the Flyers. Jake Guentzel took Malkin's spot on the first power play unit.

The speedy Hagelin enjoyed his best statistical season in black and gold, registering 10 goals and 21 assists for 31 points. He is also a valuable contributor on the penalty kill, averaging 2:32 shorthanded per game.

• The Penguins spent the first part of Tuesday's practice on short area drills, breaking into three groups. For a team missing a couple of key components, the mood is loose and there are plenty of smiles all around.

• The NHL has yet to release the dates and times for the Penguins-Capitals series, though that could come as soon as today. It's expected that the series will open Thursday night in Washington. Game 2 would likely be incumbent upon the winner of Wednesday night's Game 7 between Boston and Toronto.

• The Penguins did not show full lines or pairs. But, if Hagelin is out, I wouldn't be surprised if Dominik Simon is moved to the top line.

• The first power play remained the same from Game 6 with Sidney Crosby, Justin Schultz, Patric Hornqvist, Phil Kessel and Jake Guentzel.

• Zach Aston-Reese took some reps, along with Simon -- a scratch  on Sunday -- with the second PP unit. That group included Derick Brassard, Olli Maatta, Kris Letang and Conor Sheary.

"That’s something I haven’t been part of since coming back from injury," Aston-Reese told me. "I’ve kind of been on the other side of it with the yellow jersey, killing them. But it's a spot I’m comfortable at."

• How much has the NHL's procrastination in releasing the second round schedule affected the Penguins? They didn't announce until 5:30 p.m. Tuesday that they'll be practicing Wednesday (11 a.m. at Lemieux Sports Complex).

QUOTABLE

"I can’t say enough about TK. I just think he’s such a terrific person. He’s been invaluable in the role that he’s played in Wilkes-Barre and mentoring some of our young players on what it takes to be a pro. He has such a passion for the game. I think he cherishes the role he was cast in down there." -- Sullivan, on AHL farmhand Tom Kostopolous, who has announced that this will be his final season. Kostopolous was Pittsburgh's seventh-round pick in 1999.

MATT SUNDAY GALLERY